Dual Diagnosis: Common Conditions Diagnosed Alongside Addiction
As many as 80% of addicts are said to suffer from dual-diagnosis, a condition in which a mental illness parallels alongside with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Determining what came first, the mental illness or the addiction can be challenging, and more so, determining an appropriate course of treatment for BOTH the mental health condition and the addiction is not only a challenge but a vital element of the recovery journey.
If you or someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol and has been diagnosed with a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, you’re not alone. For treatment that will accommodate your needs and guide your journey to sobriety, call our helpline toll-free at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) .
Here’s a look at the most common mental health conditions to be diagnosed along with addiction:
Below is a breakdown of how each of these co-occurring disorders can impact your life, and your recovery:
Bipolar Disorder
When you suffer from an addiction and a mental health condition, this is considered a dual diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder is commonly diagnosed in those who abuse cocaine or alcohol. During a depressive cycle of bipolar disorder, use of cocaine is more prevalent as a means of “picking up” or “lifting” the mood. During a manic cycle, use of alcohol may be a factor as the individual self-medicates and attempts to reduce the sporadic lifestyle that is at the forefront of their substance use.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder may include:
- Changes in mood from high to low
- Distinct happiness followed by immediate and distinct depression
- Mania
- Switching between periods of increased energy and extreme fatigue
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is often found in cases of dual diagnosis in which the patient is also addicted to alcohol, sleeping pills, or benzos. The user will likely be attempting to self-medicate and “block out” or “forget” an emotionally and/or physically painful experience or trauma. Unfortunately, self-medication often leads to addiction and is at the forefront of this disease.
Symptoms of PTSD may include:
- Nightmares
- Anxiety
- Recurring distress following a traumatic event
- Hallucinations (auditory or visual)
- Detachment
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is commonly diagnosed in those who abuse alcohol or stimulants. The user often takes the stimulant in an effort to reverse the relation of ADHD symptoms. Alcohol is used to help the individual relax and to “slow” the brain so that the effects of the mental health condition are not so strong.
Unfortunately, again, use of medications or substances such as alcohol as a means of controlling an undiagnosed mental health condition is dangerous and could lead to further complications including addiction.
Symptoms of ADHD may include:
- Inability to focus
- Inability to pay attention or to remain focused
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsive behaviors
- Zoning out
- Becoming easily distracted
- Inability to complete tasks
Anxiety
Another common co-occurring disorder that is associated with addiction is anxiety. This condition commonly affects those who are addicted to alcohol, benzos, or cocaine. Anxiousness will often cause the person to repeat use of these substances in an effort to mask the symptoms of the panic that is present in their everyday thoughts.
Common symptoms of anxiety may include:
- Worrying excessively
- Being apprehensive
- Feeling scared
- Feeling overly stressed
5 Most Common Mental Health Issues that Accompany Drug Addiction
Coping with a mental illness is no easy task, making drug abuse and addiction a common occurrence among those affected.
OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a mental health condition that falls into the category of anxiety disorders and which is commonly found in conjunction with addiction. Individuals suffering from OCD often suffer from alcohol addiction or marijuana addiction as well. They will abuse these “downers” to help them “calm” their obsessive thoughts.
Some of the most common symptoms of OCD include:
- Obsessing over time
- Obsessing over germs
- Obsessing over a specific task
- Obsessing over a specific thought
- Compulsions that interrupt ability to function
Depression
Everyone gets sad, but some of use suffer from a distinct mental illness known as depression. Often times, depression is caused by addiction, but it can also be present prior to addiction and may be the reason an individual begins using drugs or alcohol as a means of self-medicating to cope with the illness. Dual diagnosis cases of depression and addiction often results when an individual abuses alcohol to “numb” the symptoms of depression.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Sadness
- Anxiousness
- Poor or empty mood
- Feeling as if there is no hope
- Feeling worthless or otherwise inept
- Extreme fatigue and tiredness
For more information on dual diagnosis conditions, or for help finding an appropriate treatment program, call 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) .
